(Project Marketing) – September 25, 2012 – The sun was shining all day for the first day of Dressage at Devon 2012.

Owned and bred by High Point Hanovarians, Coeur Dashian (Coeur d’Amour/Starling) was the pick for Dressage at Devon’s Follow the Foal.  The pretty little dark bay filly, won fourth place in Fillies of 2012.  “I was tickled pink with her today,” said Klaus Schengber. “She trotted big and she behaved really well.  She apparently likes Devon!”  We certainly hope so and look forward to having her back in 2013.

Results for all classes can be found at www.dressageatdevon.org.

Day 2 classes include 6 year old Suitability; Get of Sire, Breeders Group, 4 years old and older Stallions & Geldings Under Saddle, Materiale classes, Stallion, Mare, Mature Horse and Materiale Champions and more.  Day sheets can be found at www.dressageatdevon.org.

Arthur Kottas is a unique clinician, who is equally well versed in both the classical and competitive sides of dressage.  He has deep roots in the classical tradition; he joined the Spanish Riding School at the age of 16 and achieved the top position of First Chief Rider in 1994 before retiring in 2003. He is also thoroughly familiar with the competitive aspects of dressage; he is a recognized judge who has trained and ridden competitively since childhood. His two daughters, one a former European Young Rider Champion, now run the training stable he operated during his tenure at the SRS. These days, Arthur travels extensively, giving clinics all over the world.  He teaches in  New England three times a year.  His only other US clinics are in California. We are fortunate to have access to this contemporary dressage master who is vastly knowledgeable yet equally open and accessible.

October 16, 17 & 18*: Capstone Farm, Madbury, NH

82 Hayes Rd. Madbury, NH

October 18*, 19 & 20: Bear Spot Farm, Acton, MA

276 Pope Road, Concord, MA

Auditors are welcome.

The audit fee is $20 per day for current NEDA members and $30 per day for non-members.

There are no rider spots available for the October clinic.

Clinics are planned for May, July and October of 2013 with added days to allow more people to ride.

* On Thursday October 18, the clinic will start with 5 rides at Capstone Farm then continue in the afternoon with 5 rides at Bear Spot Farm.

For more information, or if you are interested in riding in future clinics, please call or send me an email.

Irene Greenberg  - irene.e.greenberg@gmail.com – 603-778-1428

Dutch media is reporting that top Dutch rider Imke Schellekens-Bartel is no longer being sponsored by Hunter Douglas, an international window shade company. The company had been her sponsor for five years and her horses carried the prefix of “Hunter Douglas” before their names. Schellekens-Bartels has said that the sponsorship was intended to be for a limited time and the ending of it was not a surprise.

(USDF) – Lexington, KY (September 25, 2012) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Catherine Chamberlain of Chandler, AZ, has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed on a national and local basis to USDF and dressage.

As the recipient of this award, Catherine’s name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy, housed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame.  This trophy was donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray. Catherine will also receive a $500 scholarship provided from funds raised through the Youth Silent Auction, held annually at the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention.

At only seventeen years of age, Catherine serves as the Chair of the Arizona Dressage Association’s (ADA) Junior/Young Rider Committee and as a Director of their Board.  In addition to contributing articles to the club newsletter, Catherine attends every board meeting, providing her invaluable youth perspective, volunteers in numerous positions at every ADA recognized competition, and spearheaded a fund to be used to assist the youth of ADA in pursuing education activities to further their riding knowledge and experience.  To help further USDF’s mission, Catherine meets with the youth of the organization on a regular bases to discuss issues they may be having with their equine partners and sharing their training experiences and problem solving solutions.

Cynthia Ganem of the ADA stated, in Catherine’s nomination, “Catherine is never asked to volunteer; she willingly, cheerfully, and consistently steps forward to do any job she can.  She is our most involved youth member and is the hub of all the other youth in our association.  Not only does she excite the youth to volunteer their time, but she leads them by example.”

The USDF Youth Programs Committee selected Catherin for the willingness and dedication she demonstrates in her volunteer efforts. The committee wholeheartedly commends Catherine for her dedication to dressage and ability to be a positive role model for other youth through exceptional volunteerism.

For more information about the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award or the USDF Youth Silent Auction, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at youth@usdf.org.

(USEF) – Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the new Dressage Rider Tests Program for the 2013 competition year. Designed and drafted by a joint working group from the USEF Dressage Committee and appointees from the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), these tests are available for use by riders at Training, First, and Seconds Levels. While neither these tests nor their subsequent scores are a requirement to progress through the levels, they are intended to help riders measure their progress.

“The new tests are designed to evaluate the proficiency of the rider relative to the requirements of the given level, without giving extra credit for the horse’s gaits, impulsion and submission,” said Sub-Committee Chair Lisa Gorretta. “Riders will receive constructive evaluations that they can put to use in improving their abilities as a rider. The principles of correct application of the aids, correct riding biomechanics and the accurate geometry of the figures are accessed through 5 scores evaluating rider’s position, correct and effective use of aids, horse’s response and performance, accuracy of the exercises and harmony between rider and horse plus written commentary.”

USEF Training Level Rider Test

The purpose of the rider test at Training Level is to ensure that the rider has mastered the fundamentals of riding. The test states its purpose as;

To confirm that the rider sits in the correct posture and alignment and shows correct mechanics in walk, rising trot and canter. The seat is sufficiently independent for the rider to maintain a steady, elastic rein contact and encourage the horse to stretch into that contact. The horse is ridden actively forward showing impulsion and balance required for the level, bends equally to the left and right sides on turns and circles and makes smooth, willing transitions.

USEF First Level Rider Test

In the First Level test riders are asked to continue to demonstrate the requirements of the Training Level in addition to showing increased balance and effectiveness of aids while performing more intricate movements. The test states its purpose as;

To confirm that the rider, in addition to the requirements of training level, shows correct alignment, posture and mechanics in sitting trot, including maintaining a steady, elastic rein contact. In turns on forehand and leg yields the rider remains centered and the horse responds willingly to the aids. The transitions are ridden in a better balance and with more throughness than at training level. In response to the correct application of the rider’s aids, the horse moves actively forward showing a consistent tempo and correct rhythm in each gait, shows appropriate bending, lengthens and shortens the stride in trot and responds willingly to both longitudinal and lateral aids.

USEF Second Level Rider Test

The aim of the rider test at Second Level is that the rider can demonstrate consistency in all gaits and lateral work while showing enhanced skill from First Level. The test states its purpose as;

To confirm that the rider, having achieved the requirements of first level, is able to ride the horse reliably on the bit with an uphill tendency. The rider lengthens and shortens the horse’s stride in trot and canter while maintaining correct alignment, posture and mechanics. In lateral movements the rider stays centered and demonstrates an appropriate angle and bending of the horse. As a result of the correct application of the rider’s aids, the horse shows a greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness, throughness, balance and self-carriage than at first level.

For more information about these tests contact Hallye Griffin at (859) 225-6918 or via email HGriffin@usef.org.

(Chris Stafford) -

Folsom, Louisiana, USA. September 24, 2012

Oak Hill Ranch has once again raised the standard for breeding and producing Danish Warmbloods in the U.S. with a highly successful Inspection of 32 horses on September 21-22, 2012 in Folsom, LA.  The two days of judging by the Danish panel including Ole From Christensen and Horse Identification Officer Svend Sorenson in front of a crowd of more than 100 visitors has been highly acclaimed by the Head Inspector Poul Graugaard: “Never has there been such a consistent group of high quality horses presented in the United States.”

The professional presentation of quality Warmbloods from weanlings to mares and stallions in the picturesque setting of Oak Hill Ranch began with its stallion Solos Landtinus, whose first crop of foals since his arrival in the US were presented in the weanling division.  With all six offspring receiving an overall Impression and Type score of 8 for Topeka, Vetrie Oak Larya, Lochloosa, Eden, Genoa and Renoir.  After his foals presentation Solos Landtinus was turned out in a paddock to show off his presence and movement.

Oak Hill Farm’s other stallion, Don Caruso claimed the top three yearling fillies.

The star of the inspection came from Duet Farms, DF Carusela Blue.  “She is a gold medal mare in the making,” noted inspector Svend Sorensen.  Carusela received 9′s in type, trot and significantly in Overall Impression.   Carusela’s two sisters, Pasadena & Ramira, received 8′s in type and Overall Impression.

Sabrina Gaber’s stallion, Sandro Fidelis (Sandro Hit X Feiner Stern mare), presented by Oak Hill Ranch’s head trainer Regina Milliken, achieved a coveted Danish Warmblood stallion licensing after receiving straight 8′s in walk, trot and canter as well as in Type and General Impression.

Oak Hill Ranch’s in-hand mares, Natasha, Risky Game and Genovia took the top three placings and received the crown DH rating in the mare book after being awarded an 8 for Overall Impression, adding diversity of bloodlines to Oak Hill Ranch’s top broodmare band.

In the riding division all three mares; Eclipse (ridden by David Banister), Bravura (Olivia Weaver) and Duet Farms Magnolia (Regina Milliken) received the high DH rating along with a R designation, which will allow them to produce stallion prospects.

Sharon Londoño who has been the Breeding/Ranch Manager at Oak Hill Ranch for more that 20 years was thrilled with the Inspection and the judges response to their progeny.  “Oak Hill Ranch is a producer of the finest quality of Danish Warmbloods in the United States due to the inheritable traits of temperament, confirmation and movement.  This is a legacy that will be left for others to aspire to for many years to come.  I am very proud that our clients respect, and continue our tradition, through the mares they buy from us and recognition of our breeding program.”

Oak Hill Ranch’s four year old stallion, Ripline (Hotline x Blue Hors Cavan – Rambo) will be shown in hand by Christine Smith and under saddle by Pan American Gold Medalist Heather Blitz at Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania this week.

For more information, please contact chris@chrisestafford.com.

For more information about Oak Hill Ranch and its breeding program please visit www.oakhillranch.com.

(Phelps Media Group) – Wellington, FL-September 24, 2012-The excitement is building for dressage fans and aficionados worldwide as the countdown begins for the must-see event in 2013-the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach. The internationally acclaimed World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach will return to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center January 23-27, 2013 during the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*.

World Dressage Masters (WDM), presented by Axel Johnson Group, is an elite competition series at the highest international level, featuring the world’s leading dressage shows and riders, and offering an unprecedented €425,000 in prize money (over $550,000 US).  The WDM Palm Beach, produced by Wellington Classic Dressage, is one of only four 5-Star shows held worldwide and the only one to be held on U.S. soil.  The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach drew nearly 10,000 spectators and competitors throughout the four-day show in 2012 and set records for attendance in North American dressage.

The 2012 event featured the only appearance in North America for two of Great Britain’s Olympic Gold Medal Team Members: Charlotte Dujardin, and her coach and fellow teammate, Carl Hester.  It also showcased to the North American audience the world’s soon-to-be crowned Individual Olympic Gold Medal Grand Prix Freestyle pair of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro.

Since the event’s organization was taken over by Wellington Classic Dressage two years ago, it has garnered a unique reputation for fabulous food and entertainment, and of course, top-notch competition from the leading international dressage riders. The event brought world-class equestrians to the area including Olympians Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Steffen Peters, Adrienne Lyle, Tina Konyot, Minne Tilde, Ashley Holzer, Jacqueline Brooks, Per Sandgaard and Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven along with superstar dressage riders Todd Flettrich, Heather Blitz, James Kofford, Pierre St. Jacques and Anja Plönzke.

The grand finale of the 2012 WDM Palm Beach was the Grand Prix Freestyle presented by the Axel Johnson Group, where the final eight of the world’s top- ranked horses and riders competed.  U.S. Olympic team member Steffen Peters aboard Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazaki, performed a breath-taking freestyle and narrowly beat the stunning combination of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro to win the freestyle for their share of the €70,000 ($92,000) in prize money for that class.  A total of €100,000 ($130,000) at each WDM competition makes the WDM presented by Axel Johnson Group the richest dressage series in the world.

“The World Dressage Masters has been the crown jewel of the Wellington Classic Dressage circuit,” said U.S. Olympic Dressage Team Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons. “It brings enough riders from Europe to make it a very exciting competition. It’s been very well run for the past two years. They take the facility at the Jim Brandon Center and make it intimate−cozy and exciting at the same time. The place was packed the past two years, which gives it a really good atmosphere. It prepares horses for indoor shows like they have in Europe.”

Noreen O’Sullivan, show manager and managing partner for Wellington Classic Dressage, is thrilled to be hosting the event once again. “We are looking forward to welcoming top riders, both from North America and abroad, to the 2013 World Dressage Masters CDI5*,” she said. “It will be the premiere dressage event of the season in Palm Beach County and it’s certainly a coup that we can again host such a prestigious event and showcase Wellington and Palm Beach to the world.”

Phelps Media Group will release information about ticket sales soon and news will be posted on the Wellington Classic Dressage website as well as the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Facebook page and on Twitter.

For more information about Wellington Classic Dressage, log onto www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com or check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Wellington-Classic-Dressage.

To learn more about World Dressage Masters, log onto www.worlddressagemasters.com .

Follow us on Twitter @WldDrsgMstrPB.

Be sure and “like” the WDM Facebook page at www.facebook.com/worlddressagemasterspalmbeach.

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group